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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

Additionally
In addition to
Furthermore
Not to mention
In all honesty
To tell the truth
Not only…but also
As a matter of fact
To say nothing of
What’s more
Alternatively
To go a step further

2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

In the same way
In a similar vein
Along the lines of
In the key of

3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

On the other hand
On the contrary
In contrast to
In contradiction
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
In any event
In any case
In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

Subsequently
At the same time
Concurrently
In the beginning
At the start
At the outset
Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

Standing in […’s] shadow
In front of
In the middle
In the center
To the left
To the right
On the side
Adjacent to
Around the bend
On the outskirts
In the distance
On the horizon
In the foreground
In the background
Underground
Through the grapevine

6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

Accordingly
Resultingly
As a result
Consequently
In consequence
As a consequence
For this reason
So much that
Granting that
That being the case
Under those circumstances
With this in mind
For the purpose of
For all intents and purposes
In the event that
In the event of
In light of
On the condition that
To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

For example
For instance
In other words
As an illustration
To illustrate
To put it differently
To put it another way
That is to say
As the evidence illustrates
It’s important to realize
It’s important to understand
It must be remembered
To demonstrate
For clarity’s sake
To emphasize
To put it plainly
To enumerate
To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

In conclusion
To summarize
To put it succinctly
To this end
At the end of the day
In the final analysis
By and large
On second thought
On first glance
That’s all to say
On the whole
All things considered
Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

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Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

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How To Write An Essay

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

12 min read

Published on: Jan 1, 2021

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

What are Transition Words?

Transition words are linking words used to connect sentences and ideas in the content. They help the audience move from one idea to another, building a coherent relationship within the document.

When writing an essay , it is essential to make sure that the information provided is readable and understandable by the readers. For this purpose, explicit language, transition words, and phrases are used.

Moreover, these words set a base for the idea that is going to be discussed next.

Transition words can either make or break the entire essay. It is mandatory to keep in view that not every sentence in your essay needs a transitional phrase.

Types of Transitions

Generally, there are three types of transitions that are used while drafting a piece of document. Depending on the length, complexity, and kind of text, transitions can take the following form:

Transition Between Sections - When your document is lengthy, transition paragraphs are used to summarize a particular section for the readers. In addition to this, it also links the information that is to be shared next.

For example:

"In the following section..." "Moving on to..." "Now, let's explore..." "Turning our attention to..." "To delve deeper, we will now examine..."

Transition Between Paragraphs - The transition between paragraphs is when you logically connect the two paragraphs. This connection summarizes the paragraphâs primary concern and links it to the next idea of the other paragraph.

"Furthermore..." "On the other hand..." "Similarly..." "In contrast..." "Moreover..." "Additionally..." "In addition to..." "Conversely..." "Likewise..." "In a similar vein...

Transition Within Paragraphs - They act as cues for the readers to prepare them for what is coming next. They are usually single words or small phrases.

"For instance..." "In particular..." "To illustrate..." "Additionally..." "Moreover..." "Furthermore..." "On the contrary..." "However..." "In contrast..." "In other words..."

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Types of Transition Words

Here's a table showcasing different types of transition words and their corresponding functions:


	Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally, In addition to	Adds information or ideas
	However, On the other hand, In contrast, Conversely	Shows a difference or contradiction
	Similarly, Likewise, In the same way, Just as	Draws a parallel or similarity between ideas
	Consequently, Therefore, As a result, Thus	Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship
	Firstly, Next, Meanwhile, Subsequently	Orders ideas chronologically or in a sequence
	For example, For instance, To illustrate, Specifically	Provides specific examples or illustrations
	Indeed, Certainly, Without a doubt, Undoubtedly	Highlights or reinforces a particular point or idea
	In conclusion, Overall, To summarize, All in all	Summarizes the main points or ideas
	Namely, That is to say, In other words, Specifically	Provides further clarification or explanation
	Consequently, Accordingly, Hence, Thus	Shows the outcome or result of a previous statement or action

Transition Words For Different Types of Essays

Transitional words depend on the relationship you want to convey to the audience about the ideas and paragraphs. Below is a list of words and phrases that can be used to link different sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

Identify which transition expression you want to share for your logical relationship.

Transition Words for Argumentative Essay

In the same way
Equally important
Furthermore
Comparatively
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essay

In contrast
Different from
On the contrary
In spite of

Transition Words for Informative Essay

Provided that
With this in mind
For the purpose of
In the hope that
In order to
With this intention

Transition Words for College Essays

In other words
By all means
To demonstrate
As in illustration
To put it another way

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essay

As a result
For this reason
Because the
Under those circumstances
Accordingly
Consequently

Transition Words for Expository Essay

Not long after that
Specifically
To begin with
Without doubt
Undoubtedly
Due to circumstances
In similar fashion

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essay

Here's a table listing transition words for different parts of an essay:


Starting a Paragraph	Firstly, To begin with, Initially, In the first place
First Body Paragraph	Firstly, To start, To begin with, Initially
Second Body Paragraph	Secondly, Next, Additionally, Furthermore
Third Body Paragraph	Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Another key point
Last Body Paragraph	Lastly, Overall, Ultimately, As a final point
	In conclusion, To summarize, Overall, Wrapping it up

How Transitions work

Transitions work by creating a bridge between ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or sections in your essay. They help to establish logical connections and guide the reader through the flow of your writing.

Here's how transitions work:

Coherence : Transitions create smooth connections between ideas, ensuring a coherent flow in your writing.
Signal Relationships: Transitions clarify how ideas are related, such as cause and effect, comparison, contrast, or sequence.
Guide the Reader: It acts as signpost, guiding readers through your essay and indicating the direction of your thoughts.
Enhance Clarity: Transitions improve clarity by organizing ideas and helping readers understand logical progression.
Improve Flow: It ensures a seamless flow between sentences, paragraphs, and sections, preventing choppiness.
Emphasize Key Points: Transitions can be used strategically to highlight important ideas and make them more impactful.

Let's consider an example:

"The use of renewable energy sources is crucial for combating climate change. Solar power is one such renewable energy source. It harnesses the energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. Wind power is another significant renewable energy source. It utilizes wind turbines to generate electricity. Both solar and wind power have numerous environmental benefits."

In the above example, transitions like " one such source " connect the idea of solar power to renewable energy sources. " Similarly " then introduces the concept of wind power, creating a logical progression. These transitions help readers follow the flow of ideas and understand the relationships between different energy sources.

Tips to Use Transition Words in your Essay

Here are some tips to effectively use transition words in your essay:

Understand the Purpose: Familiarize yourself with the different types and functions of transition words, phrases, or sentences. Recognize how they connect ideas, provide structure, and indicate relationships between different parts of your essay.
Plan your Essay Structure: Before you start writing, outline the main sections, paragraphs, and points you want to cover. Consider where transition words can be used to improve the flow and coherence of your essay.
Use Transition Words Appropriately: Ensure that the transition word you choose accurately reflects the relationship between ideas. Don't force a transition where it doesn't fit naturally.
Vary Transition Words: Avoid repetitive or excessive use of the same transition word throughout your essay. Use a variety of transition words to maintain reader interest and enhance overall readability.
Pay Attention to Placement: Place transition words at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences, depending on the desired effect. Consider the logical flow of your ideas and choose the appropriate placement for each transition word.
Use Transitional Phrases: Instead of using single transition words, consider incorporating transitional phrases or clauses. These can provide more context and clarity, strengthening the connection between ideas.
Revise and Edit: After completing your essay, review it for the effectiveness and smoothness of transitions. Ensure that they serve their purpose in guiding the reader and enhancing the overall coherence of your writing.
Seek Feedback: Share your essay with others and ask for feedback, specifically on the use of transition words. Others' perspectives can help you identify any areas that need improvement or where transitions could be strengthened.

To sum it up! While mastering transition words may require time and practice, it is a skill well worth developing. These words are crucial for creating coherence and flow in your essays. Throughout this blog, we have explored various transition words and phrases that can greatly enhance your writing.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to apply these newfound skills in your future essays. You can utilize an AI essay writer to enhance and refine your writing skills.

If you still need assistance or have further inquiries, our team at CollegeEssay.org is available to provide legit essay writing service .

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Transition sentences | Tips & examples for clear writing

Transition Sentences | Tips & Examples for Clear Writing

Published on June 9, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: They show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are connected. Transition sentences can be used to structure your text and link together paragraphs or sections.

… In this case, the researchers concluded that the method was unreliable.

However , evidence from a more recent study points to a different conclusion . …

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Transitioning between paragraphs, transitioning to a new section, transitions within a paragraph, other interesting articles.

When you start a new paragraph , the first sentence should clearly express:

What this paragraph will discuss
How it relates to the previous paragraph

The examples below show some examples of transition sentences between paragraphs and what they express.

Transition sentence	This paragraph…
evidence in support of is provided by Smith (2019).	… the previous one, providing more support for .
, Patel’s arguments are on the matter.	… the previous one by presenting related to the previous discussion.
the relationship between these factors, to draw conclusions about the broader process.	…treats the preceding point as on which to more general arguments.

Placement of transition sentences

The beginning of a new paragraph is generally the right place for a transition sentence. Each paragraph should focus on one topic, so avoid spending time at the end of a paragraph explaining the theme of the next one.

The first dissenter to consider is …

However, several scholars dissent from this consensus. The first one to consider is …

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While transitions between paragraphs are generally a single sentence, when you start a new section in a longer text, you may need an entire transition paragraph. Transitioning to a new section involves summarizing the content of the previous section and expressing how the new one will build upon or depart from it.

For example, the following sentences might be an effective transition for a new section in a literary analysis essay.

Having established that the subjective experience of time is one of Mann’s key concerns in The Magic Mountain , it is now possible to explore how this theme facilitates the novel’s connection with World War I. The war itself is not narrated in the book, but rather hinted at as something awaiting Castorp beyond the final pages. In this way, Mann links his protagonist’s subjective experience of time to more than just his illness; it is also used to explore the period leading up to the outbreak of war.

As in academic writing generally, aim to be as concise as you can while maintaining clarity: If you can transition to a new section clearly with a single sentence, do so, but use more when necessary.

It’s also important to use effective transitions within each paragraph you write, leading the reader through your arguments efficiently and avoiding ambiguity.

The known-new contract

The order of information within each of your sentences is important to the cohesion of your text. The known-new contract , a useful writing concept, states that a new sentence should generally begin with some reference to information from the previous sentence, and then go on to connect it to new information.

In the following example, the second sentence doesn’t follow very clearly from the first. The connection only becomes clear when we reach the end.

By reordering the information in the second sentence so that it begins with a reference to the first, we can help the reader follow our argument more smoothly.

Note that the known-new contract is just a general guideline. Not every sentence needs to be structured this way, but it’s a useful technique if you’re struggling to make your sentences cohere.

Transition words and phrases

Using appropriate transition words helps show your reader connections within and between sentences. Transition words and phrases come in four main types:

Additive transitions, which introduce new information or examples
Adversative transitions, which signal a contrast or departure from the previous text
Causal transitions, which are used to describe cause and effect
Sequential transitions, which indicate a sequence

The table below gives a few examples for each type:

Type	Example sentence	Transition words and phrases
Additive	We found that the mixture was effective. , it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted.	furthermore, moreover, for example, in regard to x, similarly, in other words
Adversative	The novel does deal with the theme of family. , its central theme is more broadly political …	however, although, nevertheless, regardless, above all, (or) at least
Causal	Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany.	because, therefore, consequently, if, provided that, so that, to
Sequential	This has historically had several consequences: , the conflict is not given the weight of other conflicts in historical narratives. , its causes are inadequately understood. , …	first, second, third, initially, subsequently, finally, lastly, to return/returning to x, as previously mentioned, in conclusion

Grouping similar information

While transition words and phrases are essential, and every essay will contain at least some of them, it’s also important to avoid overusing them. One way to do this is by grouping similar information together so that fewer transitions are needed.

For example, the following text uses three transition words and jumps back and forth between ideas. This makes it repetitive and difficult to follow.

Rewriting it to group similar information allows us to use just one transition, making the text more concise and readable.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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70+ Transition words for essays with examples

Transition words for essays.

Ever stared at a blank page, your thoughts swirling like a disorganized storm? Crafting a compelling essay often hinges on smooth transitions between ideas. Fear not, fellow writer! Here’s your guide to essential transition words , those linguistic gems that bridge the gaps in your essay and create a clear, logical flow.

List of Transition words for essays

Additionally
Furthermore
In addition
In the same way
In other words
That is to say
For example
For instance
Specifically
To illustrate
In particular
Without a doubt
Essentially
In conclusion
To conclude
On the whole
Consequently
Accordingly
As a result
For this reason
Because of this
Due to this
In light of this
Considering that
Seeing that
As a matter of fact
Nonetheless
Nevertheless
Even though
In spite of
On the contrary

Transition words for essays with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause:

Additionally : “She enjoys playing the piano. Additionally, she is proficient in playing the guitar.”
Furthermore : “The research indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental health. Furthermore, it suggested that regular physical activity reduces stress levels.”
Moreover : “The company reported an increase in sales for the third quarter. Moreover, profits also saw a significant rise.”
In addition : “He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. In addition, he is passionate about photography.”
Also : “He enjoys playing tennis. Also, he participates in swimming competitions.”
Likewise : “She volunteered at the local shelter. Likewise, her brother also dedicated his time to community service.”
Similarly : “The team implemented new strategies to improve productivity. Similarly, other departments adopted similar approaches.”
In the same way : “She excels in academics. In the same way, her siblings also achieve high grades.”
Equally : “Both candidates possess strong leadership skills. Equally, they demonstrate excellent communication abilities.”
Besides : “She enjoys reading novels. Besides, she also enjoys writing short stories.”
In other words : “The product received mixed reviews due to its functionality issues. In other words, customers experienced difficulties with its performance.”
That is to say : “She loves traveling to exotic destinations. That is to say, she prefers exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.”
Namely : “The research focused on several key areas, namely, customer satisfaction, product quality, and market trends.”
For example : “Many countries have implemented strict environmental policies. For example, Denmark has achieved significant progress in renewable energy.”
For instance : “Some popular social media platforms, for instance, Facebook and Instagram, have millions of active users.”
Specifically : “The training program focuses specifically on enhancing leadership skills and fostering teamwork.”
To illustrate : “To illustrate the concept further, let’s consider a real-life example.”
In particular : “The company aims to expand its operations globally. In particular, it plans to target emerging markets in Asia.”
In fact : “Contrary to popular belief, exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. In fact, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
Indeed : “The company’s efforts to promote diversity have yielded positive results. Indeed, diversity has been linked to increased innovation and creativity.”
Actually : “Contrary to what many people believe, the situation is actually quite different.”
Truly : “She was truly dedicated to her work and always gave her best effort.”
Certainly : “The results of the study certainly support the hypothesis.”
Of course : “Of course, you are welcome to join us for dinner.”
Without a doubt : “Without a doubt, she is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met.”
In essence : “The policy change, in essence, aims to improve customer satisfaction.”
Essentially : “The project, essentially, involves redesigning the user interface.”
In summary : “In summary, the findings suggest a need for further research in this area.”
In conclusion : “In conclusion, it is evident that climate change poses significant challenges.”
To sum up : “To sum up, the main points of the argument are as follows.”
In brief : “In brief, the report highlights key areas for improvement.”
To conclude : “To conclude, let’s consider the implications of these findings.”
Overall : “Overall, the project was a success.”
All in all : “All in all, it was a memorable experience.”
On the whole : “On the whole, the feedback has been positive.”
Therefore : “The traffic was heavy; therefore, they arrived late to the meeting.”
Thus : “The factory implemented new safety measures; thus, the number of accidents decreased.”
Hence : “The flight was canceled; hence, they had to make alternative travel arrangements.”
Consequently : “He missed the deadline; consequently, he faced disciplinary action.”
Accordingly : “The instructions were unclear; accordingly, many participants made mistakes.”
As a result : “The market demand increased; as a result, prices rose.”
For this reason : “She forgot her umbrella; for this reason, she got wet in the rain.”
Because of this : “He missed the train because of this, he couldn’t attend the meeting.”
Due to this : “Due to this unforeseen circumstance, the event had to be postponed.”
In light of this : “In light of this new information, we need to reconsider our strategy.”
Since : “Since it was raining heavily, they decided to stay indoors.”
Because : “He didn’t study for the exam because he was feeling unwell.”
For : “He received a promotion for his outstanding performance.”
As : “As the temperature dropped, people bundled up in warm clothing.”
Owing to : “Owing to his persistent efforts, he achieved success.”
Given that : “Given that she had prior experience, she was appointed as the team leader.”
Considering that : “Considering that it was his first attempt, he performed exceptionally well.”
Seeing that : “Seeing that the store was closing soon, they hurried to finish their shopping.”
In view of : “In view of the current situation, we need to take immediate action.”
As a matter of fact : “As a matter of fact, he was the first to arrive at the party.”
Regardless : “He continued with the project regardless of the challenges he faced.”
Nonetheless : “The weather was unfavorable; nonetheless, they decided to go ahead with the outdoor event.”
Nevertheless : “The plan faced criticism; nevertheless, it was implemented successfully.”
However : “She forgot her passport; however, she managed to board the flight with a temporary permit.”
Although : “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.”
Though : “Though she was tired, she continued working late into the night.”
Even though : “Even though he was warned about the risks, he proceeded with the plan.”
Despite : “Despite the challenges, they remained committed to their goal.”
In spite of : “In spite of the obstacles, they persevered and succeeded.”
On the contrary : “The results were contrary to expectations; on the contrary, they were favorable.”
Conversely : “He expected to feel relieved; conversely, he felt even more anxious.”
But : “The weather was sunny, but they decided to cancel the picnic due to other commitments.”
Yet : “He had a busy schedule, yet he managed to find time for his hobbies.”
Whereas : “She preferred coffee, whereas her sister preferred tea.”

By mastering the art of transition words, you’ll transform your essay from a disjointed collection of ideas into a powerful and persuasive piece of writing. So, the next time you sit down to write, remember these transition words and watch your essay flow majestically!

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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Effective Transition Words for Research Papers

What are transition words in academic writing?

A transition is a change from one idea to another idea in writing or speaking and can be achieved using transition terms or phrases. These transitions are usually placed at the beginning of sentences, independent clauses, and paragraphs and thus establish a specific relationship between ideas or groups of ideas. Transitions are used to enhance cohesion in your paper and make its logical development clearer to readers.

Types of Transition Words

Transitions accomplish many different objectives. We can divide all transitions into four basic categories:

Additive transitions signal to the reader that you are adding or referencing information
Adversative transitions indicate conflict or disagreement between pieces of information
Causal transitions point to consequences and show cause-and-effect relationships
Sequential transitions clarify the order and sequence of information and the overall structure of the paper

Additive Transitions

These terms signal that new information is being added (between both sentences and paragraphs), introduce or highlight information, refer to something that was just mentioned, add a similar situation, or identify certain information as important.


Adding Information	Also; Additionally; Furthermore; Moreover	In addition to; As well as; In fact; Not only…but also; As a matter of fact	“ , the data shows that X is a significant factor.”“ the above-mentioned study, Rogers also presents…”
Introducing/Highlighting	Particularly; Notably; Especially; Significantly	For example/instance; To illustrate; In particular; One example (of this is)	“ , only two species of this fish survive.”“ phenomenon is X.”
Referencing	Considering (this); Concerning (this); Regarding (this)	As for (this); The fact that; With regards to (this); On the subject of (this); Looking at (this information); With reference to (something)	“ the amount of research in this area, little evidence has been found.” “ the Blue Whale, its teeth are also the largest of any mammal.”
Showing Similarity	Similarly; Likewise; Equally;	By the same token; In the same way; In a similar way	“ the algorithm was applied to Y.”“ this principle can be applied to Z.”
Clarifying/Identifying Important Information	Specifically; Namely	That is (to say); In other words; (To) put (it) another way; What this means is; This means (that)	“There are two factors: , X and Y.”“ , the fall of the Empire was caused by over-expansion.”

Adversative Transitions

These terms and phrases distinguish facts, arguments, and other information, whether by contrasting and showing differences; by conceding points or making counterarguments; by dismissing the importance of a fact or argument; or replacing and suggesting alternatives.


Contrasting/ Showing conflict	But; Still; However; While; Whereas; Conversely; (and) yet	In contrast; On the contrary; On the other hand; …when in fact; By way of contrast	“ there is still more research needed.”“ the 1997 study does not recognize these outcomes.”
Distinguishing/ Emphasizing	Indeed; Besides; Significantly; Primarily	Even more; Above all; More/Most importantly	“ a placebo is essential to any pharmaceutical study.”“ the X enzyme increased.”
Conceding a point	Nevertheless; Nonetheless; Although; Despite (this); However; Regardless (of this); Admittedly	Even so; Even though; In spite of (this); Notwithstanding (this); Be that as it may	“ X is still an important factor.”“ New York still has a high standard of living.”“ this may be true, there are still other factors to consider.”
Dismissing an argument or assertion	Regardless (of)	Either way; In any case; In any event; Whatever happens; All the same; At any rate	“ of the result, this fact is true.”“ the effect is the same.”“ this will not change the public’s view.”
Replacing/ Indicating an Alternative	Instead (of); (or) rather;	(or) at least	“ using X, the scientists used Z.”“ why not implement a brand new policy?”

Causal Transitions

These terms and phrases signal the reasons, conditions, purposes, circumstances, and cause-and-effect relationships. These transitions often come after an important point in the research paper has been established or to explore hypothetical relationships or circumstances.


Showing Cause or Reason	Since; For; As; Because (of the fact that)	Due to (the fact that); For the reason that; Owing to (the fact); Inasmuch as	“ the original sample group was too small, researchers called for more participants.”“ funding will be cut in half.”
Explaining the Conditions	If…then; Unless; Granting (that); Granted (that); Provided (that)	In the event that; As/So long as; Only if	“ these conditions change, more will need to be done.”“ there is oxygen, there will be oxygenation.”
Showing the Effects/Results	Consequently; Therefore; Thus; Accordingly; Because (of this)	As a result (of this); For this reason; As a consequence; So much (so) that	“ we can conclude that this was an asymmetric catalysis.”“ many consumers began to demand safer products.”
Showing the Purpose		For the purpose(s) of; With (this fact) in mind; In the hope that; In order that/to; So as to	“ following standards, X rule was observed.”“ this study focused on preservation.”
Highlighting the Importance of Circumstances	Otherwise	Under those circumstances; That being the case; In that case; If so; All else being equal	“ this effect will continue into the future.”“ the economic impact of this law seems positive.”

Sequential Transitions

These transition terms and phrases organize your paper by numerical sequence; by showing continuation in thought or action; by referring to previously-mentioned information; by indicating digressions; and, finally, by concluding and summing up your paper. Sequential transitions are essential to creating structure and helping the reader understand the logical development through your paper’s methods, results, and analysis.


Organizing by Number	Initially; Secondly; Thirdly; (First/Second/Third); Last	First of all; To start with; In the (first/second/third) place	“ subjects were asked to write their names.”“ dolphins are the smartest creatures in the sea.”
Showing Continuation	Subsequently; Previously; Afterwards; Eventually; Next; After (this)		“ subjects were taken to their rooms.”“ they were asked about their experiences.”
Summarizing/ Repeating Information	(Once) again; Summarizing (this)	To repeat; As (was) stated before; As (was) mentioned earlier/above	“ this data, it becomes evident that there is a pattern.”“ pollution has become an increasing problem.”
Digression/Resumption	Incidentally; Coincidentally; Anyway	By the way; to resume; Returning to the subject; At any rate	“ the methods used in the two studies were similar.”“ this section will analyze the results.”
Concluding/ Summarizing	Thus; Hence; Ultimately; Finally; Therefore; Altogether; Overall; Consequently	To conclude; As a final point; In conclusion; Given these points; In summary; To sum up	“ these results will be valuable to the study of X.”“ there are three things to keep in mind—A, B, and C.”

How to Choose Transitions in Academic Writing

Transitions are commonplace elements in writing, but they are also powerful tools that can be abused or misapplied if one isn’t careful. Here are some ways to ensure you are using transitions effectively.

Check for overused, awkward, or absent transitions during the paper editing process. Don’t spend too much time trying to find the “perfect” transition while writing the paper.
When you find a suitable place where a transition could connect ideas, establish relationships, and make it easier for the reader to understand your point, use the list to find a suitable transition term or phrase.
Similarly, if you have repeated some terms again and again, find a substitute transition from the list and use that instead. This will help vary your writing and enhance the communication of ideas.
Read the beginning of each paragraph. Did you include a transition? If not, look at the information in that paragraph and the preceding paragraph and ask yourself: “How does this information connect?” Then locate the best transition from the list.
Check the structure of your paper—are your ideas clearly laid out in order? You should be able to locate sequence terms such as “first,” “second,” “following this,” “another,” “in addition,” “finally,” “in conclusion,” etc. These terms will help outline your paper for the reader.

For more helpful information on academic writing and the journal publication process, visit Wordvice’s Academic Resources Page. And be sure to check out Wordvice’s professional English editing services if you are looking for paper editing and proofreading after composing your academic document.

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Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

220 Best Transition Words for Essays

By: Nova A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jul 9, 2019

Writing essays can be hard, and making sure your transitions are smooth is even harder.

You've probably heard that good essays need good transitions, but what are they? How do you use them in your writing? Also, your essays are assessed according to particular criteria and it is your responsibility to ensure that it is being met.

But don't worry, we are here to help. This blog will give you transition words for essays, including how to choose the right ones and where to place them for maximum impact. Essay writing is a technical process that requires much more effort than simply pouring your thoughts on paper.

If you are new to the concept of transition words and phrases, deep dive into this article in order to find out the secret to improving your essays.

On this Page

What Are Transition Words

Transition words are essential elements in essay writing that create smooth transitions between ideas.

Think of a transition as a conjunction or a joining word. It helps create strong relationships between ideas, paragraphs, or sentences and assists the readers to understand the word phrases and sentences easily.

As writers, our goal is to communicate our thoughts and ideas in the most clear and logical manner. Especially when presenting complex ideas, we must ensure that they are being conveyed in the most understandable way.

To ensure that your paper is easy to understand, you can work on the sequencing of ideas. Break down your ideas into different sentences and paragraphs then use a transition word or phrase to guide them through these ideas.

Why Should You Use Transitions

The purpose of transition words goes beyond just connectivity. They create a cohesive narrative , allowing your ideas to flow seamlessly from one point to another. These words and phrases act as signposts and indicate relationships.

These relations could include:

Cause and Effect
Comparison and Contrast
Addition and Emphasis
Sequence and Order
Illustration and Example
Concession and Contradiction
Summary and Conclusion

They form a bridge and tie sentences together, creating a logical connection. In addition to tying the entire paper together, they help demonstrate the writer’s agreement, disagreement, conclusion, or contrast.

However, keep in mind that just using or including transitional words isn’t enough to highlight relationships between ideas. The content of your paragraphs must support the relationship as well. So, you should avoid overusing them in a paper.

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Types of Transitions

Transitions in essays can be classified into different types based on the relationships they indicate between ideas. Each type serves a specific purpose in guiding readers through your arguments.

Let's explore some common types of transitions and their examples:

Additive Transitions

These transitions are used to add information or ideas. They help you expand on your points or provide additional supporting evidence. Examples:

In addition
Furthermore
Additionally
Not only... but also
Coupled with

Adversative Transitions

Adversative transitions show contrast or contradiction between ideas. They are used to present opposing viewpoints or highlight differences. Examples:

Nevertheless
On the other hand
In contrast

Causal Transitions

Causal transitions explain cause-and-effect relationships. They help you establish the reasons behind certain outcomes or actions. Examples:

As a result
Consequently
Resulting in
For this reason

Sequential Transitions

Sequential transitions indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas. They help you present your thoughts in a logical and organized manner. Examples:

Subsequently
In the meantime
Simultaneously

Comparative Transitions

Comparative transitions highlight similarities or comparisons between ideas. They help you draw connections and illustrate relationships. Here are some transition words for essays examples:

In the same way
Compared to
In comparison
Correspondingly
By the same token
Equally important
Analogous to

Getting started on your essay? Check out this insightful read on essay writing to make sure you ace it!

List of Good Transition Words for Essays

As mentioned above, there are different categories of transitions that serve a unique purpose. Understanding these different types will help you pick the most suitable word or phrase to communicate your message.

Here we have categorized the best transition words for essays so you can use them appropriately!

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

In argumentative essays , the effective use of transition words is essential for presenting a well-structured and coherent argument.

To begin with	To show	By contrast	One alternative is
Chiefly	Mainly	To put it more simply	At the same time
On the contrary	Even if ‘A’ is true	Afterall	With this in mind
All things considered	As a result	To clarify	Generally speaking
Another way to view this	That is to say	Yet another	Another possibility is

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays , transition words play a crucial role in highlighting the similarities and differences between the subjects being compared.

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in compare and contrast essays:

Despite	In contrast	Nevertheless	On the contrary
On the other hand	Otherwise	As an illustration	That is
Conversely	In spite of	Similarly	At the same time
Likewise	Still	In a similar fashion	Equally
Also	Yet	But	Simultaneously

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In cause and effect essays , transition words help illustrate the relationships between causes and their corresponding effects.

Here are a few transition words that are particularly useful in cause-and-effect essays:

As a result	Under those circumstances	Thus	In effect
For this reason	Thereupon	Henceforth	Accordingly
Consequently	Because	Since	Otherwise
Due to	So	As a	Hence
In order to	If…then	For	Afterward

Transition Words for Different Parts of Essays

Transition words are valuable tools that can be used throughout different parts of an essay to create a smooth and coherent flow. By understanding the appropriate transition words for each section, you can logically connect your ideas.

Introduction Transition Words for Essays

Introductions are one of the most impactful parts of the essay. It's important that it connects logically with the rest of the essay. To do this, you can utilize different transition words for essays to start. Here are some starting transition words for essays:

Generally speaking	In the first place	To begin with	To be sure
Assuredly	Earlier	First of all	The next step
As you can see	For now	In time	Once and for all
First... second... third...	To put it differently	Foundationally	In addition
Basically	Furthermore	Besides	In the meantime

Transition Words for Essays Body Paragraph

In an essay, body paragraphs play a crucial role in presenting and developing your ideas. To ensure a logical flow within each body paragraph, the strategic use of transition words is essential.

Here are lists of transitions for essays for different body paragraphs:

Transition Words for Essays for First Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words that you can use for the first body paragraph of an essay:

Firstly	To start off	Primarily	Another important factor is
To begin with	In the beginning	Above all	It is worth mentioning
Initially	At the outset	Most importantly	An additional aspect to consider is
In the first place	For a start	Essential to note	What's more
First and foremost	As a first step	One key point is	Furthermore

Transition Words for Essays Second Body Paragraph

Here is a list of transition words for the second body paragraph of an essay:

Additionally	Likewise	Furthermore, it is essential to consider	Correspondingly
Moreover	Similarly	Moreover, it should be noted that	In the same way
Furthermore	Equally important	In a similar vein	As well as
In addition to	Another key point is	Alongside this	Similarly, it can be argued that
Besides	Not only... but also	Coupled with this	Furthermore, evidence suggests

Transition Words for Essays Third Body Paragraph

Another significant point is	Likewise	Moreover, it should be highlighted that
Notably	Correspondingly	Furthermore, it is crucial to consider
Besides	Equally important	Alongside this
Furthermore, it is important to note	Furthermore, evidence supports	In a similar fashion
Similarly	Additionally, research shows	Lastly, it is worth noting

Transition Words for Essays Last Body Paragraph

In light of this	Coupled with this insight	Furthermore, it is imperative to address	As an extension of this
Building upon that	Adding to the discussion	Another notable factor is	Digging deeper into the topic
Moreover, it is crucial to mention	Expanding on this idea	In a related vein	In a similar line of thought
In a similar fashion	Taking a step further	Similarly, it is worth considering	Elaborating on this concept
Not to mention	Additionally, it is important to highlight	In the same breath	Correspondingly, it is crucial to explore

Transition Words for Essays Conclusion

Here is a list of ending transition words for essays:

All things considered	Given these points	In summary	To summarize
In short	Briefly	After all	That is to say
Finally	All in all	In the final analysis	As previously stated
In essence	Ultimately	To sum up	On the whole
By and large	Overall	Everything considered	Taking everything into account

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Essay Transitions

When it comes to using transitions in your essay, there are certain do's and don'ts that can help you effectively enhance the flow of your writing. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

Add transitions only when introducing new ideas.
Go through the paper to make sure they make sense.
Start by creating an outline, so you know what ideas to share and how.
Use different transitions for each idea.
Don’t overuse them.
Don’t keep adding transitions in the same paragraph.
Don’t completely rely on transitions to signal relationships.
Don’t incorporate it into your content without understanding its usage.

By now, you have probably understood how transition words can save you from disjointed and directionless paragraphs. They are the missing piece that indicates how ideas are related to one another. You can also generate more essays with our AI powered essay writer to learn the art of transitioning smoothly from one paragraph to another.

If you are still unable to distinguish transitions to open or conclude your essays, don’t be upset - these things require time and practice.

If you are looking for the perfect essay-writing service, get in touch with the expert writers at 5StarEssays.com. We will include the right transitions according to the type of paper, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas.

Just say ‘ write my essay ’ now and let our essay writer create quality content at the most pocket-friendly rates available.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way.
expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover .
drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.

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Writing Tips

Thirty Transition Words for Essays

3-minute read
10th August 2023

When writing an essay, you may know the main ideas and points you’re going to cover, but connecting them into a smooth, flowing piece of text that’s easy for readers to follow can seem like a challenge.

Enter transition words . These words work like bridges between sentences and paragraphs so there are no jumps or choppy parts of your writing. Which transition words are appropriate for formal writing, and how do you choose the right ones for the connections you need to make? Check out our guide below.

Comparing or Contrast

If you want to introduce an idea in comparison to another, here are some transition words you can use:

If you want to add information or an extra point to an established one, try these transition words:

Proving or Causing

If you want to establish that one concept is the reason for another or serves as proof of an idea, some suitable transition words to use are:

Showing Sequence

Whether you’re establishing literal timing or just organizing your points into a sequence, use these transition words:

Emphasizing

If you want to emphasize or repeat a point, these transition words work well:

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Summarizing

If you want to lead into a conclusion or summary of an idea, here are some transition words you can use:

Tips for Using Transition Words in Essays

While transition words can be very useful in essays, you should keep a few things in mind. When using transition words or phrases, make sure that you:

Understand Their Meaning

Each transition word or phrase has a slightly (or vastly) different meaning than the next, so don’t view them as words that you can use interchangeably. Make sure you understand a word’s exact meaning and that it aligns with the connection you’re trying to make.

Don’t Overuse Them

Use transition words sparingly. Littering your paper with transitions can make your readers feel like you’re overexplaining concepts, and it adds unnecessary wordiness.

Don’t Start Sentences With Informal Transitions

Although starting a sentence with and or but is more acceptable than we may have once learned in elementary school, it’s still considered informal . You should avoid starting a sentence with informal transition words like and , but , or , so , and also , swapping them for more formal terms that have the same effect.

There are loads of transition words that you can use to help you connect ideas in your essay. We hope this post gave you some ideas. And once you finish a draft, send a copy our way. We can make sure you use transition words correctly as well as check your writing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and more. Try it out for free today.

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Transition Words: Improve Essay Coherence with 200+ Examples

Transitional words to seamlessly connect ideas and improve coherence.

Are you in search of ways to improve the coherence and flow of your essays ? We will introduce you to 200 plus transition words that will effortlessly link your ideas together, ensuring a smooth and logical progression. Whether you're writing an argumentative essay , a research essay , or a reflective essay, these words will serve as the glue that holds your ideas together.

Transition words, or signal words, are crucial in guiding your readers through your writing. They help create a sense of organization by connecting sentences, paragraphs, and sections, allowing your ideas to flow seamlessly. By incorporating these words into your writing, you not only improve the overall readability of your work but also enhance the clarity and understanding of your ideas.

From common transitional words like "however" and "therefore" to more nuanced ones like "conversely" and "nonetheless," this comprehensive list covers different types of transitions and usage scenarios. Whether you're a student writing an essay or a professional striving to communicate your thoughts more effectively, these 200 above transitional words for various functions: introducing ideas, presenting arguments, contrasting ideas, adding information, and summarizing or concluding, will be an invaluable resource for improving your writing skills.

Transition words for introducing ideas

When introducing new ideas in your essay, it is important to signal to your readers that a shift is occurring. Transition words for introducing ideas also known as additive transitions help you do just that. Here are some examples of such words and phrases:

Firstly	To begin with	Initially	In the first place
The first point to note is	It is important to note that	At the outset	To start with
First and foremost	To kick of	Let us commence with	As an introduction
First off	To begin	It is crucial to start with	At first glance
The initial point to consider is	Let us first look at	Beginning with	The primary consideration is
In the beginning	As the starting point	The first issue to address is	As a preliminary point
The foremost thing to consider is	To introduce the topic	In the initial stages	Before anything else
As a foundation	Let us first establish	To set the stage	Henceforth
Subsequently	In turn	In retrospect	Thus far

These additive transitional words and phrases can be used at the beginning of a paragraph or section to indicate that a new idea or point is being introduced. They help your readers understand that a new topic or argument is about to be discussed. By using these words effectively, you can ensure a smooth transition between different ideas in your essay.

For example, consider the following sentence: "Firstly, let's consider the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems." In this sentence, the transitional word "Firstly" signals to the reader that a new point or idea is about to be presented. It prepares them for the upcoming discussion on the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems.

Transition words for presenting arguments

In an essay, it is important to present your arguments in a clear and organized manner. Transition words can help you do this by signaling the introduction of new arguments or supporting evidence. Here are some transitional words and phrases for presenting arguments or to persuade your readers:

One key argument is	A compelling point to consider is	Another perspective to examine is	It is worth noting that
Moreover	Furthermore	Additionally	In addition to
Another significant argument is	On the other hand	An important point to argue is	Considering this point
Notably	A relevant example is	To further illustrate	It is essential to highlight
Another viewpoint to consider is	This is exemplified by	An additional argument is	This argument is supported by
It is crucial to note	A further point to discuss is	From another angle	To elaborate on
Let us also consider	In light of this	In this context	This raises the point
A notable argument is	From this perspective	Equally	This can be seen in
It is important to emphasize	A strong argument can be made	An opposing view is	This leads to the argument
By the same token	A related point is	To put it another way	By comparison
As a matter of fact	To illustrate	Evidently	To clarify
In other words	As an illustration

These transitions can be used to introduce new arguments or present additional evidence in support of your main thesis. They help your readers understand the relationship between different points and how they contribute to your overall argument.

For example, consider the following sentence: "One key argument in favor of renewable energy is its positive impact on the environment." In this sentence, the transitional phrase "One key argument" signals to the reader that a new argument is being introduced. It sets the stage for the subsequent discussion on the environmental benefits of renewable energy.

Transition words for contrasting ideas

In an essay, presenting contrasting ideas or writing a cause and effect essay often requires highlighting differences effectively. Transition words for contrasting ideas can help you signal these distinctions and add nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of such words and phrases:

However	On the other hand	In contrast	Nevertheless
Nonetheless	Despite this	Although	Even so
Yet	On the contrary	Still	Whereas
While	In spite of	Alternatively	But
Instead	Even though	Despite that	Rather
Unlike	Conversely	Be that as it may	Albeit
Though	However	On one hand	Otherwise
In opposition	In stark contrast	Differing from	Regardless
Contrarily	By contrast	On the reverse side	Inversely
Accordingly	Inevitably	As a consequence	Notwithstanding
Consequently	For this reason	Therefore

These transitional words and phrases can be used to introduce a contrasting idea or argument. They help your readers understand that a counterpoint or alternative perspective is about to be presented. By using these words effectively, you can create a more balanced and comprehensive essay.

For example, consider the following sentence: "However, some critics argue that the use of genetically modified organisms poses significant risks to human health." In this sentence, the transitional word "However" indicates a contrasting idea or argument. It prepares the reader for the upcoming discussion on the potential risks associated with GMOs.

Transition words for adding information

In an essay, it is important to provide additional information or examples to support your arguments. Transitional words for adding information can help you seamlessly include these details without disrupting the flow of your writing. Here are some examples of such words and phrases:

Additionally	Moreover	Furthermore	In addition to
Not only that, but	Besides	What's more	Also
Along with	Plus	As well as	Too
Another thing	In the same vein	Together with	Similarly
More importantly	Again	To further add	And
Coupled with	Correspondingly	Moreover	Not to mention
Plus the fact that	Alongside	Additionally	Withal
Besides that	To boot	Over and above that	By the same token
Supplementing	Further still	In conjunction with	What is more
Including	Into the bargain	More so	Not to forget
Likewise	Not only but also	With this in mind	For instance
To this end	Owing to	Resulting in	Due to

These transition words and phrases can be used to introduce additional information, examples, or supporting evidence. They help your readers understand that more details are being provided to strengthen your arguments. By using these words effectively, you can enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of your essay.

For example, consider the following sentence: "Additionally, recent studies have shown a correlation between regular exercise and improved mental health." In this sentence, the transitional word "Additionally" signals to the reader that more information is about to be presented. It prepares them for the subsequent discussion on the relationship between exercise and mental well-being.

Transition words for summarizing or concluding

In an essay, it is important to summarize your main points or draw a conclusion based on your arguments. Transition words for summarizing or concluding can help you do this effectively, ensuring a strong and memorable ending to your essay. Here are some examples of such words and phrases:

In conclusion	To summarize	Overall	In summary
To sum up	In a nutshell	Taking everything into account	All things considered
In the end	Ultimately	Finally	In closing
To conclude	Summing up	Wrapping up	After all is said and done
On the whole	In brief	In essence	As a final point
All in all	To put it briefly	Conclusively	To encapsulate
As a summary	To recapitulate	At the end of the day	In the final analysis
Bringing to a close	To round off	To finalize	As a result
Ultimately speaking	All summed up	To close	Thus
To that end	In summary	To wrap it up	For the most part
To sum it all	In a few words	Broadly speaking	In a word
To finish

These transitions can be used to signal that you are wrapping up your essay and summarizing your main points. They help your readers understand that you are reaching a conclusion based on the arguments you have presented. By using these words effectively, you can leave a lasting impression on your readers.

For example, consider the following sentence: "In conclusion, the evidence suggests that a healthy diet and regular exercise are key factors in maintaining physical and mental well-being." In this sentence, the transitional phrase "In conclusion" signals to the reader that the essay is coming to an end and a summary of the main points will follow.

Examples of using transition words in sentences

To further illustrate the use of transition words in essays, let's consider some example sentences that incorporate these words effectively:

"Initially, let's consider the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. One key argument in favor of renewable energy is its positive impact on the environment. However, some critics argue that the use of genetically modified organisms poses significant risks to human health. Additionally, recent studies have shown a correlation between regular exercise and improved mental health. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that a healthy diet and regular exercise are key factors in maintaining physical and mental well-being."

"To begin with, it is important to note that education plays a crucial role in reducing poverty. Moreover, investing in early childhood education has been shown to have long-term benefits for individuals and society as a whole. On the other hand, some argue that the cost of education is too high and not everyone has equal access to quality education. In addition to this, vocational training programs can provide valuable skills and opportunities for those who do not pursue traditional academic paths. Overall, education is a powerful tool for social and economic development."

"In the first place, let's examine the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. One argument in favor of social media is its ability to connect people from different parts of the world. Nonetheless, there are concerns about the negative effects of excessive social media use on mental health. Furthermore, cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue in the digital age. In summary, while social media has its benefits, it is important to use it responsibly and be aware of its potential drawbacks."

These example sentences demonstrate how transitional words can be used to link ideas and create a cohesive essay. By incorporating these words into your writing, you can ensure a smooth and logical progression of your arguments, making your essay more engaging and persuasive.

Tips for effectively using transition words in essays

While transitions are powerful tools for improving the coherence and flow of your essays, it is important to use them effectively. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using transition words in your writing:

Choosing the right word for the context: It is important to select transitional words that accurately convey the intended meaning and relationship between different ideas. Consider the specific context of your essay and choose words that best fit the purpose and tone of your writing.

Using transition words sparingly: While transition words are valuable in guiding your readers through your essay, it is important not to overuse them. Using too many transitional words can make your writing appear repetitive or formulaic. Instead, focus on using them strategically to enhance the clarity and coherence of your essay.

Varying your use of transition words: To keep your writing engaging, it is important to vary your choice of transition words. Using the same transitional word repeatedly can make your writing monotonous. Instead, explore different options and experiment with different transitional words to add variety and depth to your essay.

Paying attention to transitions between paragraphs: Transitions are particularly important in signaling transitions between paragraphs. Ensure that each paragraph flows smoothly into the next by using appropriate transition words. This will help your readers understand the logical progression of your ideas and maintain their engagement throughout your essay.

Revising and editing for clarity: After incorporating transition words into your essay, take the time to revise and edit your writing for clarity. Ensure that the transitions effectively convey the intended meaning and enhance the overall coherence of your essay. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a seamless flow of ideas.

By following these tips, you can effectively incorporate transition words into your essays, enhancing the coherence and flow of your writing.

Transition words are invaluable tools for essay writing. They help create a sense of organization, enhance the readability, and improve the clarity and understanding of your ideas. Whether you are introducing new ideas, presenting arguments, contrasting ideas, adding information, or summarizing your essay, transition words play a crucial role in guiding your readers through your writing.

By using these 200+ transition words, you can take your essay writing to the next level. These words will serve as the glue that holds your ideas together, ensuring a smooth and logical progression. Whether you are a student looking to improve your essay writing skills or a professional striving to communicate your thoughts more effectively, these transition words and phrases will be an invaluable resource.

Remember to choose the right transitions for the context, use them sparingly and strategically, and pay attention to the transitions between paragraphs. With practice and careful attention to detail, you can master the art of using transitional words effectively in your essays. So, go ahead and experiment with these words, and watch as your writing becomes more cohesive, engaging, and persuasive.

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Free Sample Essays & Papers

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

250 Best Transition Words and Phrases (+Examples)

Transition words are the glue that holds writing together, providing smooth shifts from one idea to the next.

These words and phrases enhance readability, flow, and comprehension. With that said, I’ve put together the largest and best list of transition words and phrases for you below.

Addition Transitions

The Phrase Transition Words & Phrases with Arrows Pointing in Different Directions

Table of Contents

Addition transitions help introduce new ideas that build upon what was previously said.

Furthermore Example: “The project was a success. Furthermore, it opened doors for future collaboration.”
Moreover Example: “He’s an excellent athlete. Moreover, his academic record is outstanding.”
In addition Example: “In addition to the rain, the wind was particularly strong today.”
Also Example: “She enjoys reading. Also, she loves to travel.”
Additionally Example: “Additionally, the report highlights new market trends.”
And Example: “We visited the museum, and we took a walk in the park.”
Plus Example: “She completed the report ahead of time, plus she helped others finish theirs.”
Along with Example: “Along with learning new languages, he also mastered coding.”
Not only… but also Example: “Not only did she ace the test, but she also set a new record.”
Alongside that Example: “She’s working on several projects. Alongside that, she’s taking night classes.”

Contrast Transitions

These transitions show a shift in ideas or highlight a difference between two points.

However Example: “I wanted to go out. However, the weather was terrible.”
On the other hand Example: “She’s good at math. On the other hand, her science grades need improvement.”
Nevertheless Example: “It was difficult. Nevertheless, we succeeded.”
Yet Example: “He’s very capable, yet he tends to procrastinate.”
Despite Example: “Despite the challenges, the team persevered.”
In contrast Example: “In contrast to her outgoing personality, her brother is shy.”
Still Example: “The work is tiring. Still, I find it fulfilling.”
Although this may be true Example: “Although this may be true, there are still some risks involved.”
But Example: “We planned a picnic, but it started raining.”
Conversely Example: “Conversely, the new policy brought unexpected benefits.”

Cause & Effect Transitions

These transitions indicate a reason or result.

Therefore Example: “He didn’t study. Therefore, he failed the exam.”
As a result Example: “The marketing strategy was flawed. As a result, sales dropped.”
Consequently Example: “The team didn’t prepare. Consequently, they lost the match.”
Thus Example: “Thus, we decided to change our approach.”
For this reason Example: “She was unwell. For this reason, she missed the meeting.”
Hence Example: “The demand increased. Hence, the prices rose.”
Because Example: “We stayed indoors because it was raining heavily.”
Due to Example: “Due to the heavy snow, flights were canceled.”
Since Example: “Since you’re here, we can start the meeting early.”
As a consequence of Example: “The team did not complete the assignment on time. As a consequence of this, the project was delayed.”

Time Transitions

Time transitions indicate when something happens or the order in which events occur.

Meanwhile Example: “The bread was baking. Meanwhile, I prepared the salad.”
Later on Example: “The team worked on the project. Later on, they presented it to the client.”
Earlier Example: “She arrived earlier than expected.”
Later Example: “We’ll meet for dinner later.”
At the same time Example: “She was speaking at the same time as the presentation started.”
Eventually Example: “Eventually, the project was completed after several delays.”
And Then Example: “We visited the museum, and then we went for lunch.”
Before Example: “Before leaving, she checked her emails one last time.”
Afterward Example: “We finished the meeting and went to dinner afterward.”
Soon Example: “Soon, the results will be announced.”

Agreement & Emphasis Transitions

These transitions emphasize or strengthen an argument or idea.

Indeed Example: “She is indeed one of the best in her field.”
Certainly Example: “This is certainly an opportunity not to be missed.”
Of course Example: “Of course, hard work plays a crucial role in success.”
In fact Example: “In fact, this study proves the theory.”
Truly Example: “He truly understands the essence of leadership.”
As a matter of fact Example: “As a matter of fact, the data supports this conclusion.”
To explain further Example: “To explain further, the data suggests that the market will grow.”
Without a doubt Example: “Without a doubt, she is the most qualified candidate.”
Undoubtedly Example: “Undoubtedly, this decision will benefit the company.”
Definitely Example: “This solution will definitely improve our workflow.”

Conclusion Transitions

These transitions signal the end of a discussion or summarize the key points.

In conclusion Example: “In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports the hypothesis.”
To sum up Example: “To sum up, we achieved our goals and exceeded expectations.”
In summary Example: “In summary, the results were better than anticipated.”
Overall Example: “Overall, it was a successful event.”
As the last step Example: “As the last step, review the document before submission.”
To wrap up Example: “To wrap up, let’s review the key points.”
Ultimately Example: “Ultimately, the decision rests with the board.”
In brief Example: “In brief, the project was a great success.”
As a final point Example: “As a final point, we should consider future challenges.”
In the end Example: “In the end, teamwork led to our success.”

Example Transitions

Example transitions help introduce clarifying examples to support a point.

For example Example: “She loves outdoor activities. For example, she often goes hiking on weekends.”
To cite an instance Example: “To cite an instance, we’ve seen this strategy succeed in similar markets.”
As an example Example: “There are many forms of renewable energy, as an example, solar and wind power.”
As a demonstration Example: “As a demonstration of the process, the team shared their prototype.”
Specifically Example: “She was concerned with one specific issue, specifically the lack of resources.”
Namely Example: “Several factors contributed to the failure, namely poor planning and execution.”
Such examples are Example: “Several products showed promising results. Such examples are electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances.”
Specifically speaking Example: “Specifically speaking, the North American market saw a significant increase.”
More precisely Example: “The policy needs revision. More precisely, it’s not suitable for the current situation.”
As an illustration Example: “As an illustration, here’s how the new system works.”

Sequence Transitions

Sequence transitions show the order of steps, instructions, or events.

First Example: “First, mix all the dry ingredients.”
Second Example: “Second, add the wet ingredients to the mixture.”
Next Example: “Next, stir the ingredients together until smooth.”
Then Example: “Then, pour the mixture into the baking tray.”
Finally Example: “Finally, bake for 20 minutes at 180 degrees.”
After that Example: “After that, let the cake cool before serving.”
Initially Example: “Initially, the project faced some challenges.”
At first Example: “At first, the plan seemed too ambitious, but we succeeded.”
Subsequently Example: “Subsequently, we saw a significant increase in performance.”
Lastly Example: “Lastly, ensure all documents are signed before submission.”

Comparison Transitions

Comparison transitions highlight similarities between two or more elements.

Similarly Example: “Her approach to problem-solving is similarly effective.”
Likewise Example: “Likewise, his presentation was well-received by the audience.”
In the same way Example: “In the same way, the new policy aims to increase efficiency.”
Just as Example: “Just as water is essential for life, education is crucial for success.”
As well as Example: “He is skilled in design as well as programming.”
Equally Example: “The students were equally enthusiastic about the project.”
In a similar manner Example: “In a similar manner, the new system will streamline operations.”
Correspondingly Example: “The demand for electric cars increased. Correspondingly, the production rate was adjusted.”
Analogously Example: “Analogously, the marketing strategy needs a similar revamp.”
In like manner Example: “In like manner, the second phase will follow the same structure.”

Condition Transitions

Condition transitions set up hypothetical or conditional situations.

If Example: “If you work hard, you’ll achieve your goals.”
Unless Example: “We can’t proceed unless the documents are signed.”
Provided that Example: “You can go on the trip, provided that you finish your homework.”
As long as Example: “You can stay here as long as you behave responsibly.”
In case Example: “In case of emergency, follow the exit signs.”
On the condition that Example: “I’ll help you, on the condition that you help me later.”
Supposing Example: “Supposing it rains tomorrow, we’ll have to cancel the event.”
Even if Example: “Even if it’s difficult, we must continue trying.”
Only if Example: “The refund will be issued only if the product is returned within 30 days.”
Assuming Example: “Assuming we have enough time, we can visit both museums.”

Clarification Transitions

Clarification transitions help explain or clarify a point that was previously made.

In other words Example: “He’s not interested in the project. In other words, he won’t be joining the team.”
That is Example: “She’s focused on her career, that is, she’s not considering moving.”
To clarify Example: “The terms are non-negotiable. To clarify, you’ll need to agree before proceeding.”
Simply put Example: “Simply put, we need to improve our customer service.”
To put it another way Example: “We need to cut costs. To put it another way, we’re overspending.”
In simpler terms Example: “The process is complex. In simpler terms, it involves several stages of approval.”
Let me explain Example: “We’re facing budget cuts. Let me explain why this is happening.”
To be more specific Example: “We’re changing the layout. To be more specific, we’re removing redundant elements.”
To rephrase Example: “The plan failed. To rephrase, we didn’t achieve our target.”
That is to say Example: “He’s very talented, that is to say, he has a natural aptitude for art.”

Purpose Transitions

These transitions explain the intent or purpose behind an action.

In order to Example: “We updated the software in order to improve performance.”
For the purpose of Example: “He studied hard for the purpose of passing the exam.”
So that Example: “She left early so that she could catch the train.”
With the intention of Example: “We designed the app with the intention of making it user-friendly.”
To Example: “They organized the meeting to discuss the project.”
With this in mind Example: “With this in mind, we adjusted the timeline for delivery.”
For this reason Example: “For this reason, we decided to postpone the event.”
To that end Example: “The company hired more staff. To that end, they could meet demand.”
For the sake of Example: “She made sacrifices for the sake of her children.”
In an effort to Example: “In an effort to reduce waste, we implemented recycling initiatives.”

Concession Transitions

Concession transitions acknowledge a counter-argument or alternate view.

Although Example: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
Even though Example: “Even though the odds were against us, we tried our best.”
Granted Example: “Granted, this approach takes more time, but it’s more effective.”
While it is true that Example: “While it is true that the market is competitive, our product stands out.”
Even with Example: “Even with the challenges, the team completed the project.”
Admittedly Example: “Admittedly, the project went over budget, but it was a success.”
Though Example: “Though the task was difficult, we managed to finish it.”
Recognizing your opinion/feelings/reluctance Example: “Recognizing your opinion on the matter, we need to make a decision.”
Regardless Example: “Regardless of the weather, we’ll have the event outdoors.”
Nonetheless Example: “The hike was exhausting. Nonetheless, it was worth it for the view.”

Location Transitions

These transitions help describe where something is located or where an event happens.

Nearby Example: “There’s a coffee shop nearby where we can meet.”
Opposite Example: “The library is opposite the park.”
Adjacent to Example: “The hotel is adjacent to the conference center.”
Beyond Example: “Beyond the mountains, there’s a small village.”
Next to Example: “The restaurant is next to the bookstore.”
In the distance Example: “In the distance, we could see the city skyline.”
Alongside Example: “The path runs alongside the river.”
To the left Example: “To the left, you’ll find the entrance to the gallery.”
Underneath Example: “We stored the supplies underneath the table.”
In front of Example: “The car is parked in front of the building.”

Similarity Transitions

These transition words emphasize similarity between ideas or topics.

In the same vein Example: “In the same vein, the second proposal offers cost savings.”
Just like Example: “Just like her brother, she excels at sports.”
Comparable to Example: “The new policy is comparable to the one introduced last year.”
In a similar way Example: “In a similar way, the redesign will improve user experience.”
Corresponding to Example: “The results are corresponding to our expectations.”
In much the same way Example: “In much the same way, we plan to tackle the next phase.”
Equally important Example: “Customer satisfaction is equally important as product quality.”
Like Example: “Like the first version, this model is user-friendly.”
Similarly to Example: “The new process works similarly to the old one.”
Comparable with Example: “The outcomes are comparable with last year’s data.”

Exception Transitions

These transitions indicate something that is outside the norm or an exception.

Except Example: “Everyone was invited except John.”
Apart from Example: “Apart from the weather, the trip was perfect.”
Besides Example: “Besides the main course, we offer several desserts.”
Aside from Example: “Aside from the noise, the neighborhood is peaceful.”
Other than Example: “Other than the cost, there are no downsides to the plan.”
Excluding Example: “Excluding the holidays, I work from home most days.”
All but Example: “All but Sarah agreed.”
With the exception of Example: “With the exception of the CEO, all executives were present.”
Save for Example: “Save for a few glitches, the software runs smoothly.”
Excepting Example: “Excepting unforeseen delays, the project will be completed on time.”

Illustration Transitions

These transition words help emphasize a point by illustrating it with examples.

To illustrate Example: “To illustrate, let’s examine this case study.”
Such as Example: “The report highlighted several concerns, such as lack of funding.”
By way of illustration Example: “By way of illustration, let’s look at how this principle applies in practice.”
In particular Example: “In particular, the north wing requires renovation.”
Especially Example: “The summer months are especially busy for the tourism industry.”
Including Example: “The library offers several services, including free Wi-Fi.”
To demonstrate Example: “To demonstrate the issue, here’s a relevant case study.”
For instance Example: “He is proficient in several languages, for instance, French and Spanish.”
Particularly Example: “Particularly, the lack of affordable housing is a pressing concern.”
To give an example Example: “To give an example, this tool can automate daily tasks.”

Summary Transitions

These transition words summarize or bring together the main points.

In summary Example: “In summary, the experiment confirmed our hypothesis.”
To sum up Example: “To sum up, we achieved our objectives with minimal setbacks.”
All in all Example: “All in all, the conference was a great success.”
In short Example: “In short, the project exceeded our expectations.”
To conclude Example: “To conclude, the data clearly supports the theory.”
On the whole Example: “On the whole, the report was well-received by the board.”
In brief Example: “In brief, the event was a learning experience for everyone.”
Overall Example: “Overall, the new policy was well implemented.”
In a nutshell Example: “In a nutshell, the solution worked.”
In conclusion Example: “In conclusion, we should move forward with the current plan.”

Degree Transitions

Degree transitions show varying degrees or levels of something.

To some extent Example: “The plan succeeded, to some extent, but there were unexpected challenges.”
More or less Example: “The project is more or less complete, just a few finishing touches are needed.”
Almost Example: “The launch was almost flawless, except for one minor glitch.”
Partially Example: “The system is partially operational.”
A great deal Example: “This decision will impact the company a great deal.”
To a certain degree Example: “We were successful to a certain degree, but there’s room for improvement.”
Entirely Example: “The system is entirely dependent on external factors.”
Marginally Example: “The results improved marginally after the software update.”
To a large extent Example: “To a large extent, the changes were well-received by the team.”
Thoroughly Example: “The product was thoroughly tested before launch.”

Amplification Transitions

Amplify your statements with these transitions. They add emphasis or expand on a previous idea.

Indeed Example: “The situation is dire. Indeed, we may need to reevaluate our approach.”
What’s more Example: “The project was a success. What’s more, we finished ahead of schedule.”
Furthermore Example: “The product is user-friendly. Furthermore, it is highly affordable.”
Moreover Example: “The company grew its revenue. Moreover, it expanded into new markets.”
In fact Example: “The results were impressive. In fact, they exceeded our expectations.”
Not to mention Example: “The new design is sleek, not to mention more efficient.”
Additionally Example: “We added several features. Additionally, the user interface was improved.”
Above all Example: “Above all, customer satisfaction remains our priority.”
To say the least Example: “The results were surprising, to say the least.”
Beyond that Example: “We completed the task successfully. Beyond that, we discovered new opportunities.”

Reversal Transitions

Show a reversal or opposite direction in ideas with what are called “reversal” transition words and phrases.

On the contrary Example: “He wasn’t shy at all. On the contrary, he was very outgoing.”
Conversely Example: “The first method was efficient. Conversely, the second method wasted time.”
On the flip side Example: “The software is easy to use. On the flip side, it lacks advanced features.”
In contrast Example: “In contrast to her quiet demeanor, her work speaks volumes.”
Quite the opposite Example: “He wasn’t upset. Quite the opposite, he was thrilled with the news.”
On the other hand Example: “The project was completed on time. On the other hand, it went over budget.”
Instead Example: “Instead of going to the meeting, he decided to work from home.”
Conversely Example: “Conversely, the product became more popular as the price increased.”
Rather Example: “He didn’t reject the offer. Rather, he asked for more time to decide.”
Alternatively Example: “We could hire more staff. Alternatively, we could outsource the work.”

Qualification Transitions

These transition words qualify or limit an argument, providing nuance to a statement.

With some reservations Example: “We approve the plan with some reservations regarding the budget.”
Under certain circumstances Example: “Under certain circumstances, we might reconsider our decision.”
If applicable Example: “The policy can be extended if applicable to your department.”
In certain cases Example: “In certain cases, an extension may be granted.”
With this limitation Example: “With this limitation in mind, we proceeded cautiously.”
Provided that Example: “You can borrow the equipment, provided that it’s returned by Friday.”
Given these conditions Example: “Given these conditions, we opted for a conservative approach.”
As long as Example: “You may continue using the facility as long as you follow the guidelines.”
If necessary Example: “We can adjust the schedule if necessary.”
Assuming that Example: “Assuming that the weather improves, we’ll proceed with the outdoor event.”

Repetition Transitions

Use these transitions to emphasize what you mean by repeating or restating ideas in a new way.

As mentioned earlier Example: “As mentioned earlier, the deadline is Friday.”
To reiterate Example: “To reiterate, the meeting will be held at 10 a.m.”
Again Example: “Again, we emphasize the importance of submitting the form on time.”
As stated previously Example: “As stated previously, the product launch is next month.”
In other words Example: “We need to increase our efficiency. In other words, we need to cut costs.”
Let me repeat Example: “Let me repeat, the project must be completed by the end of the week.”
To restate Example: “To restate, the goal is to increase customer satisfaction.”
Once again Example: “Once again, we’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.”
As noted before Example: “As noted before, we should proceed with caution.”
Let’s go over this again Example: “Let’s go over this again to ensure we’re all on the same page.”

Hypothetical Transitions

These transitions explore possibilities or hypothetical situations. Now we’re getting into the more advanced transition language.

In the event that Example: “In the event that the meeting is postponed, we will notify you immediately.”
If this happens Example: “If this happens, we’ll need to adjust the timeline accordingly.”
Should the need arise Example: “Should the need arise, we’ll schedule additional meetings.”
Assuming Example: “Assuming the data is accurate, we can move forward with the proposal.”
In case of Example: “In case of any delays, please contact the project manager.”
In a scenario where Example: “In a scenario where demand exceeds supply, we’ll increase production.”
If we were to Example: “If we were to expand into new markets, we’d need additional funding.”
Hypothetically speaking Example: “Hypothetically speaking, if we doubled our output, what would be the cost?”
Suppose that Example: “Suppose that the deal goes through, what’s our next step?”
In the unlikely event Example: “In the unlikely event that there’s a system failure, we have a backup plan.”

Advanced Category: Contradiction Transitions

These transitions are used to show direct contradictions or highlight conflicting information in a nuanced way. Use them sparingly and always strategically.

Be that as it may Example: “The results were unexpected. Be that as it may, we must move forward.”
Paradoxically Example: “Paradoxically, more automation led to higher labor costs.”
Notwithstanding Example: “The proposal was risky, notwithstanding, it was approved unanimously.”
Ironically Example: “Ironically, the more we cut costs, the lower our profits became.”
Nevertheless Example: “The conditions were unfavorable. Nevertheless, the event was a success.”
On the contrary Example: “We expected sales to fall. On the contrary, they increased.”
Contrarily Example: “Contrarily, we saw an increase in performance after reducing hours.”
Despite the fact that Example: “Despite the fact that the budget was cut, we delivered on time.”
Even so Example: “The plan was flawed. Even so, it yielded positive results.”
Oddly enough Example: “Oddly enough, the simplest solution proved to be the most effective.”

Best Transition Words for Common Use Cases

If you’re looking for a cheat sheet to the best transition words and phrases, this next chart is for you.

In the chart, you’ll find use cases that will come up time and time again. That’s when you need to pull out one of these versatile language bridges, these logic linkages, these meaning mergers.


	Furthermore, Moreover, In addition
	However, On the other hand, Yet
	Therefore, As a result, Consequently
	Meanwhile, Subsequently, Earlier
	In conclusion, To sum up, Finally
	For example, Specifically, Such as
	First, Next, Then
	Similarly, Likewise, In the same way
	If, Unless, Provided that
	In other words, To clarify, Simply put

Here is a good video about using transition words and phrases in writing:

Final Thoughts: Transition Words and Phrases

With these transition words and phrases, you can connect your sentences and statements in almost limitless ways.

But you still might need other types of words. Up your word game with the blog posts below.

200 Transition Words For Essays That Will Help Your Writing Flow Better

Woman looking at transition words for essays on her laptop

Need some transition words for essays that will really help your paper flow? We’ve got you covered.

You always hear professors and educators talk about including transition words within your paragraphs, but it can be tricky to figure out which words to use and where to put them. It’s also difficult to come up with new ones off the top of your head instead of using “however,” “but,” or “and” over and over again.

Fortunately, we’re always here to help you out with the right tools and resources. We know all about transitional words and phrases, how to use them in every part of your essay, and how to make sure you make the right impression in your writing.

This master list of 200 transition words for essays will give you some great ideas for your next writing assignment, and we’ve got some great tips and tricks you can use along the way.

Young woman working on her essays with her back turned to the camera

What Are Transition Words?

Let’s start with the basics. What are transition words, anyway?

Transitional words and phrases are used to link sentences together. They are similar to conjunctions in that they make connections and help your writing flow smoothly. You don’t talk to people in choppy sentences, so why would you write that way?

A transition word is almost always followed by a comma. You can also use a semicolon to join the two sentences instead of separating them with a period if they are both complete sentences. This adds a little more connection between your thoughts. Here is an example : “Michael didn’t go to school on Wednesday; therefore, he missed the pop quiz.”

If you’re not sure whether your sentences are complete and should be joined with a semicolon, check out our blog on the types of sentences in English . This will help you get a sense of how to structure your writing properly so you don’t lose marks on technical things.

When using transition words for essays, you should also include them at the beginning of each of your body paragraphs. This not only helps you transition into the next thought, but introduces the next point you’re going to make.

Student desk with notepad taking down transition words

Why Should I Use Transition Words?

Even though it seems like your sentences would be fine without including transition words, they make a really big difference in your writing.

Transitional words and phrases make sentences flow together more effectively, adding that sense of connection between two thoughts or ideas. This makes essays easier to read, and more cohesive for your professor.

For example, take a look at these sentences: “Leanna did not do any homework during the entire semester. She failed her history class.” Now, here are these sentences with a transition word included: “Leanna did not do any homework during the entire semester. As a result, she failed her history class.” As you can see, adding that transition word between the two sentences makes them flow together and connects the idea that one thing has led to another.

When you use transition words for essays, you make your writing flow a lot better and can easily connect one point to another. This is especially important at the end of your body paragraphs, where you need to go from one point to the next in a way that sounds natural.

Think of your sentences like a stack of bricks. Without the mortar to glue the bricks together, you just have a pile of bricks. But with mortar, you have something holding those bricks together to build something more solid – a house or a structure. Transition words are just like that mortar. Sure, your sentences can hold up on their own, but transition words hold your sentences together to create a more cohesive text as a whole.

Female student writing down transition words on a tablet

Types of Transition Words

There are actually a few different categories that transitional words and phrases fall into. These categories are determined by the purpose and use of the word. For example, if you are using a transition word to add on to a point you’ve already made, you would use something from the “agreement, addition, or similarity” category.

Here are the main categories of transition words for essays:

● Agreement, Addition, or Similarity

● Sequence or Order

● Contradiction or Opposition

● Cause and Effect

● Examples, Support, or Emphasis

● Location, Space/Place, or Time

● Conclusion, Clarification, or Summary

Of course, you can use transitional words and phrases however you see fit and don’t have to stick to just these categories and lists. However, these lists are meant to be a guideline to help you choose the right word to complete your thought and idea. Using the wrong transition word in the wrong context can cause your paper to take a complete turn in a different direction.

It’s All About Relationships

Ultimately, what you need to remember about transition words is that they are based on the relationship between two sentences or ideas. Just like there are different types of relationships between people, there are different types of relationships between words. This is where those different categories come in.

When you use transition words at the end of one body paragraph before the next one, you are using them to show how one idea can lead into another. Further, this could be a cause and effect situation, where one point is the result of the previous point, or an agreement relationship where one factor adds on to another.

Here is an example of a cause and effect relationship between sentences: “My grandmother smoked cigarettes for over 50 years. As a result, she developed lung cancer when she was in her 60s.” “As a result” is used as a transitional phrase here to indicate that the grandmother’s lung cancer was the result of her smoking cigarettes for a long time.

Female college student sitting in the kitchen writing argumentative essays

200 Powerful Transition Words For Essays

When it comes to using transition words for essays, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right ones in the right place. Penn State recommends using them in “pivotal positions” where the meaning of the sentence shifts.

Your professor is going to be grading your essays based on your ability to present your points, ideas, and arguments in a logical or cohesive way. No matter what type of paper you’re writing, from argumentative essays to personal reflections , you always need to be able to articulate your thoughts in a way that makes it easy for your reader to follow.

If you’re out of ideas or need some new inspiration, you’re in the right place. Follow this list of 200 transition words for essays to find the right words to use in your own papers, assignments, and speeches.

Agreement, Addition, or Similarity

1. In addition to 2. As a matter of fact 3. Moreover 4. Similarly 5. Furthermore 6. Equally important 7. Also 8. In the same way 9. Comparatively 10. Correspondingly 11. Again 12. Not only… but also 13. In like manner 14. As well as 15. Thus 16. Therefore 17. In the same fashion 18. In the light of 19. Not to mention 20. Equally 21. Let alone 22. Too 23. Even more 24. And 25. Likewise 26. Just like 27. By the same token 28. Indeed 29. Another 30. Including

Sequence or Order

1. Firstly… secondly… thirdly 2. After 3. Simultaneously 4. Next… then… finally 5. Later 6. In the first place… in the second place 7. Formerly… presently 8. Since 9. Once 10. To begin with 11. Sooner… later 12. As soon as 13. Shortly 14. By the time 15. Now that 16. Immediately following 17. Preceding 18. Afterwards 19. Earlier 20. Both… and

Contradiction or Opposition

1. In spite of 2. While it may be true 3. However 4. On the one hand… on the other hand 5. Nonetheless 6. In contrast 7. Notwithstanding 8. On the contrary 9. Nevertheless 10. Yet 11. Still 12. As much as 13. Although this may be true 14. Even though 15. Rather 16. Be that as it may 17. Above all 18. Despite 19. Admittedly 20. Instead 21. Though 22. Conversely 23. Regardless 24. Different from 25. At the same time 26. Albeit 27. Although 28. But 29. That said 30. Granted

Cause and Effect

1. As a result 2. Consequently 3. Thus 4. Accordingly 5. Therefore 6. Hence 7. So 8. With this in mind 9. Owing to 10. Inasmuch as 11. Due to 12. To the end that 13. In order to 14. In light of 15. While 16. In the event that 17. Unless 18. Provided that 19. Seeing that 20. Being that 21. Since 22. As 23. Because 24. Subsequently 25. In the event that

Examples, Support, or Emphasis

1. For example 2. For instance 3. Specifically 4. Namely 5. Of course 6. Again 7. Truly 8. To illustrate 9. To demonstrate 10. As an example 11. Especially 12. Particularly 13. Also 14. Equally important 15. Besides 16. Including 17. To include 18. Certainly 19. Truly 20. More importantly 21. In fact 22. For the purpose of 23. Another key point 24. Surely 25. In particular 26. To put it another way 27. Namely 28. As an illustration 29. Above all 30. So that

Location, Space/Place, or Time

1. After 2. Afterwards 3. At last 4. Meanwhile 5. Then 6. Subsequently 7. Before 8. Currently 9. Simultaneously 10. Nearby 11. Adjacent 12. Immediately after 13. Back then 14. Nowadays 15. Sometimes 16. This time 17. Following 18. Soon 19. While 20. Today 21. In the future 22. Previously 23. Above 24. Below 25. During 26. Now 27. Beyond 28. Earlier 29. Here 30. There

Conclusion, Clarification, or Summary

1. In conclusion 2. To sum up 3. In summary 4. Finally 5. In a word 6. Briefly 7. In brief 8. In the end 9. To conclude 10. To summarize 11. On the whole 12. In other words 13. Altogether 14. In short 15. Ultimately 16. In a nutshell 17. After all 18. All things considered 19. In sum 20. Given these points 21. In either case 22. As shown above 23. To clarify 24. To put it another way 25. Actually 26. That is 27. To rephrase 28. With this in mind 29. On the subject of 30. Regarding 31. As for 32. Concerning 33. In consideration of 34. With regard to 35. Considering this result

A set of eyeglasses placed on top of an open book of essays

Where to Use Transition Words in Your Essays

Now that you understand which words you should use to transition between points and ideas, you may still have a few questions. For starters, you’re probably wondering where to use transition words in your writing and how they fit in with your overall message.

There are a few different spots where you can use transition words within your essays or writing assignments:

● In your topic sentences at the start of each paragraph.

● To create connections between the evidence presented and the result or argument.

● In your closing sentence at the end of each paragraph to segway into the next one.

● At the beginning of your introduction or summary paragraphs.

● Within your conclusion to make summarized points.

For more help with this, take a look at our blog on essay format . In this article, we show you exactly what should be included in each section of your essay so you can make sure you’re on the right track for success.

Female student writing a paper at her desk with closeup of her arm

Important Things to Remember

If you have even more questions, here are some important things to remember when using transition words that will help you as you write your essay.

● Don’t overuse transition words in your essay. You need them in key places, but you don’t need them in every single sentence. If you use too many transitions, your reader might feel like you’re not giving them enough credit to make obvious connections.

● Make sure you understand the word you’re using. The point of a transition word is to make a logical connection, so when you use the wrong word, the logic becomes lost entirely.

● Understand how to start your sentences. Many transition words are used at the beginning of sentences, but some are too casual and should be avoided in an academic essay. For example, never start a sentence with “and,” “but,” or “because.” Find a better and more formal word to replace these.

● Watch your sentence fragments. It’s easy to write sentence fragments with transition words and not realize they aren’t complete sentences because we are so accustomed to saying them in casual language. Make sure all of your sentences can stand on their own.

● Use an essay outline to help organize your writing. This way, you get a clear idea of exactly where you should be including transition words, and can avoid overusing them wherever they aren’t necessary. For more help with your essay outline, check out Episode 47 of The Homework Help Show .

Young woman sitting at living room table writing down sentences

Still Not Sure How to Use Transition Words for Essays? Let us Help.

If you’ve gone through this list of transition words for essays and still aren’t really sure how to use them, it’s time to turn to the experts.

At Homework Help Global , we can take care of your essays and papers for you so you don’t have to spend so much time thinking about the right words to use. From argumentative essays to research papers , PhD dissertations , and more, we can handle any assignment you need completed. We’ll find all the words to get the point across, and you won’t have to write a single one of them yourself!

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Essay Writing Guide

Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

13 min read

What are Good Transition Words for Essays

Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas within sentences, paragraphs, or sections of a piece of writing.

These are essential tools in essay writing that help provide a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the crucial purpose of connecting words, phrases, sentences, or even entire body paragraphs .

By using these transitions effectively, you can effortlessly convey your ideas and thoughts in a coherent and easily understandable manner.

How To Use Transition Words in Essays

Transition words help make your essays flow better and easier to read.

To use them well, know the purpose of each type of transition word. Use words for addition, contrast, sequence, example, and conclusion. Place them at the start, middle, or end of sentences and paragraphs to connect ideas smoothly.

Mix up your transition words to avoid repeating the same ones and to keep a logical flow. Use them only when needed to keep your writing natural.

Combine them with topic sentences to help guide readers through your essay. For example, change “The experiment was a success. It provided new insights” to “The experiment was a success; moreover, it provided new insights.”

Avoid mistakes like placing them in the wrong spot, using too many, or choosing the wrong ones.

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Here are some common types of transitions for essays that can be used in almost any situation.

Addition Transitions

Furthermore
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Comparison Transitions

In the same way
Comparable to
Correspondingly
In comparison
By the same token

Contrast Transitions

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

Consequently
As a result
For this reason
Accordingly

Time Transitions

Simultaneously
In the meantime
Subsequently
At the same time

Illustration Transitions

For example
For instance
Specifically
To illustrate
In particular
In this case
As an illustration

Emphasis Transitions

Undoubtedly
Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

To summarize
To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

As an example
To demonstrate
For one thing
As evidence
As an instance

For Showing Exception

But at the same time
Despite this

For Proving

This transition words for essays list will make it easier for you to understand what words to use in which kind of essay or for which purpose.

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

To begin with
By contrast
One alternative is
To put more simply
On the contrary
With this in mind
All things considered
Generally speaking
That is to say
Yet another

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further
Additionally,
Equally important

Transition Words for Essays PDF

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Informative Essays

As can be expected
Obviously

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back
In other words

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

As noted earlier
Consequently
Whereas
This leads to
Another factor
This lead to
The underlying concept
In this respect

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

(once) again
Primarily
Due to
Accordingly
That is to say
Subsequently
To demonstrate
However
Alternatively

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

In any event
As mentioned
As you can see
In conclusion

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

These are some introduction transition words for essays to start writing:

In the first place
First of all
For the most part
On one hand
As a rule

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

To put it differently
Once and for all

Transition Words for Essays Counter Argument

While this may be true

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

To start with
First and foremost
In the beginning
From the outset

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

In addition to this
Furthermore

Transition Words for Essay For Third Body Paragraph

Here are some transition words you can to 3rd body paragraph when writing a more extensive, 5 paragraph essay :

Another point
Alongside this

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

Finally
Last but not least
To sum up
Altogether
As a final point

Transition Words for Essays After a Quote

Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays High School

Today
In addition
To summarize
On the other hand
As well as
Although

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

Pursuing this
Similarly
What’s more
As much as
In a like manner
In the same fashion

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

So, now you have some strong transition words for essays at hand. But how do you use these transition words?

Here are the basic do’s and don’ts of using transition words for essays.

Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
Place transition words appropriately, where they connect to the previous statement and make your narrative flow. This is important for maintaining a clear essay format .
Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.
Don’t rely solely on transition words to connect ideas; ensure your sentences and paragraphs are logically structured. A well-organized essay outline supports this structure.

So, now you have an extensive list of transition words and phrases.

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Transition Words For Essays

Last updated on: Jul 11, 2024

Transition Words for Essays: How to Make Your Writing Flow Seamlessly

By: Barbara P.

16 min read

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Writing essays can be a daunting task for many students. Especially when it comes to finding the right words to transition from one idea to another. Transition words are an essential part of any essay and yet they are often overlooked or used incorrectly. Without them, your writing will lack structure and coherence, making it difficult for readers to understand your point.

SharkPapers.com is here to help!

Our comprehensive guide on transition words for essays provides you with all the information you need. With our easy-to-follow tips and examples, you'll be able to write better essays in no time!

Read on to discover how transition words for essays can help you improve your writing today!

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What are Transition Words for Essays?

Transition words are phrases or words that are used to create a connection between ideas in your writing.

They help the reader understand how one idea leads to another. Plus, it clearly demonstrates the relationships between different concepts and points of view.

They can also be used to emphasise certain points or introduce new arguments, providing structure and cohesion throughout your essay.

Types of Transitional Words Based on their Functions

There are three main types of transition signals that a writer uses to write a paper. They can be in the following form based on the length, kind of text, and complexity.

1. Transition Between Paragraphs

The transition words between paragraphs are used when you have to connect sentences or two paragraphs logically. For example, it summarises the primary concern of one paragraph and links it to the next idea of the other paragraph.

2 . Transition Within Paragraphs

When the document is lengthy, transitional paragraphs are used to summarise a specific section for the audience. It also links the data that is to be shared next.

3. Transition Between Sections

Transition within paragraphs acts as a reminder for the audience to prepare them for what is coming next. These mainly include small phrases or single words.

Using Transition Words for Essays

Transition words can be used in different ways, depending on the context of your essay. For instance, they may be used to introduce a new point or argument. On the other hand, they can be used to provide evidence and support for an existing one. Transition words can also help create a smoother flow between ideas and make your writing more concise and easier to read.

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List of Transition Words for Different Types of Essays

Transitional words are important as they are used to create logical connections between ideas and thoughts.

Here we have mentioned some good transitional words or phrases for essays in different categories. Let's take a closer look at them.

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

To begin with
By contrast
One alternative is
To put more simply
At the same time
On the contrary
With this in mind
All things considered
As a result
Generally speaking
That is to say
Yet another

Transition Words for Expository Essays

For one thing
In addition
Equally important
Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

(once) again
Primarily
Due to
Accordingly
That is to say
Subsequently
To demonstrate
However

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

As noted earlier
Consequently
Whereas
This leads to
Another factor
This lead to
The underlying concept
In this respect

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Consequently
Accordingly
Because of this

Transition Words for Informative Essays

As can be expected
Obviously
Specifically

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

In the same way
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Additionally
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

In the first place
First of all
For the most part
On one hand
As a rule

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

In any event
As mentioned
In other words
As you can see

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Transition Words for Various Academic Levels

The following transition words and phrases are divided into different academic levels.

Transition Words for Essays - Middle School

In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays - High School

Today
In addition
To summarize
On the other hand
As well as
Although

Transition Words for College Essays

To begin with
That is
The next step
There is no doubt
Therefore
Thereupon
Usually
Wherefore
While
Especially
Corresponding to
At first glance
In the long run

Introduction Transition Words

At the start
In the beginning
For starters
First of all
In the first place
At the outset

Transition words for Paragraphs

To start with
At the beginning
First of all
To begin with
Next
More importantly

Transition Words for First Body Paragraph

For one thing
Firstly and most importantly
In the first place
The primary (or first) reason is
At the start
To start with
Most noticeably

Transition Words for Second Body Paragraph

Another
Furthermore
What is more
In addition (to this)
Moreover
Additionally
Likewise
Not only...but also
Apart from this
Not to mention

Transition Words for Third Body Paragraph

Last but not least
Finally
In the end
To conclude
To sum up
In conclusion
To finish off
All in all
In summary
All things considered

Transition Words for Connecting Paragraphs

What’s more
To illustrate
An example of this is
For instance
Namely
In other words
Such as
To put it another way
That is to say
In particular

Transition Words For the Concluding Paragraph

In summary
In short
To summarise
To sum up
In conclusion
Ultimately
Altogether
In the long run
To conclude
On the whole

Ending Transition Words For Essays

Finally
In the end
At last
Eventually
To finish off
In summary
In conclusion
Summing up
To sum up

Best Transition Words For Essay

Firstly
Subsequently
To begin with
In addition
Additionally
Primarily
Notably
Indeed
Furthermore

Transition Words for Chronology And Time

At first
Afterward
Eventually
Finally
Next
In due course
Shortly
In the meantime
First (second, etc.)

Transition Words for Clarification

In other words
More simply put
That is to say
Namely
Specifically
To clarify
In particular
In detail
To be exact

Transition Words for Examples

For example
To demonstrate
In particular
Namely
Specifically
As an illustration
For instance
To illustrate
In this case
To be specific

Transition Words for Importance

Most importantly
Above all
More important
Significantly
Notably
Importantly
Essentially
Coupled with
Assuredly
In any case

Transition Words for Generalization

In general
As a rule
Basically
Broadly
Overall
In most cases
For the most part
On the whole
By and large

Transition Words for Purpose

In order to
So as to
With this intention
For the purpose of
To this end
With this in mind
With the aim of
So that
For this reason

Transition words for Location

Nearby
Here
To the left/right
In front/behind
Away from
Close to
Up ahead
At the top/bottom
Just beyond
Adjacent to

Transition words for Concession

Nevertheless
In spite of
Despite
Though
Nonetheless
Regardless
Even so
However
On the other hand
Be that as it may

Expert Tips to Use Transitional Words

Using transition words effectively can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you use them properly in your writing:

Use transition words sparingly: While transition words can help make your writing more coherent, it's important not to overuse them. Using too many transition words can make your writing seem choppy and mechanical.
Choose the right words: Make sure you choose the right transition words for the purpose you have in mind. Using the wrong words can create confusion and make your writing harder to understand.
Be consistent: Use transition words consistently throughout your essay. This will help create a smooth and coherent flow of ideas.
Use them at the right time: Transition words should be used at the appropriate time in your essay. For example, use them when you are introducing a new idea, connecting two related ideas, or providing evidence to support an argument.
Practice, practice, practice: Using transition words effectively takes practice. The more you use them, the more comfortable you'll become with incorporating them into your writing.

Do's And Don't For Using Transition Words For Essays

Before you begin incorporating transition words into your writing, be sure to review this handy list of dos and don'ts.

Do use Transition words to connect two sentences or paragraphs.
Do use Transition words to add clarity and flow of the content.
Do vary your Transition words to make your writing sound more engaging.
Do ensure that Transition words are relevant and support the idea being discussed in the previous sentence/paragraph.
Don’t use transition words too frequently as it may sound repetitive and monotonous.
Don’t just link two sentences or paragraphs with transition words, it must be accompanied by an explanation.
Don’t start a sentence with transition words, they should rather be used to bridge two sentences.
Don’t use transition words to start every sentence, this will make your essay sound unnatural and awkward

Professional Tips for Using Transition Words & Phrases

It is highly important to choose the right transition word while writing any type of essay or paper. Therefore, a writer must analyze how and where to use these transitions.

Here are the professional tips that will help you use transition words or phrases within the content.

Use transitional words wisely while writing an essay and understand what they are. Use them when introducing a new idea and link it to the previous ones.
Only use them where and when it is necessary.
Do not use the transition word at the end of a sentence.

The above-given list of transitions is something that you need to remember while drafting a writing piece. It might take enough time for you to learn using these words. However, if you still feel that the essay is not conveying the ideas properly, let the professionals at SharkPapers.com do their job. The essay writer at our essay writing service will help you produce a perfect document fulfilling the academic requirements. We work intending to provide 100% original essays written from scratch. Simply contact us and get a well-written essay at affordable rates.

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Barbara has a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university and extensive experience working in the medical field. With her practical experience conducting research on various health issues, she is skilled in writing innovative papers on healthcare. Her many works have been published in multiple publications.

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Conclusion transition words: Phrases for summarizing and ending

Transition words help us structure our thoughts and guide the reader or listener through what we are saying. When it’s time to summarize your message or end a paragraph, conclusion transition words let you signal this closing.

It’s good to know some synonyms for ‘in conclusion’ and ‘to conclude’, because although these are good examples of concluding words, they can get repetitive.

Our comprehensive list of transition words for conclusion and summary should give you all the inspiration you need, whether you are writing an essay or speech, or just want to become more confident forming an argument. These signal words can also be helpful for restating ideas, drawing attention to key points as you conclude.

We have included plenty of examples of how you can use these transition words for concluding paragraphs or sentences, so by the end of this article, you should be clear on how to use them properly.

Conclusion transition words with examples

We have grouped these summarizing and concluding transition words according to how and where they can be used. For example, some should only be used when forming a final conclusion, whereas others can be used to summarize sections mid-way through your speech or writing.

First, let’s be clear about the difference between a summary and a conclusion .

Summary vs conclusion

A conclusion comes at the end of a speech, chapter, or piece of text, and it brings together all of the points mentioned. A summary, however, can be placed anywhere (even at the beginning). A summary gives a brief outline of the main points but is not as in-depth as a conclusion.

If you are giving a presentation or writing a blog, you may wish to summarize the main points in your introduction so that people know what you are going to cover. You could also summarize a section part-way through before moving on to another angle or topic.

In contrast, the conclusion always comes at the end, and you should only use specific conclusion transition words as you are drawing to a close.

Transition words for conclusion paragraphs

Let’s begin with some discourse markers that signal you are moving to the concluding paragraph in your presentation, speech, essay, or paper. These can all be used to start a conclusion paragraph.

In conclusion
To conclude
We can conclude that
Given these points
In the final analysis
As can be seen
In the long run
When all is said and done
I’ll end by
As we draw to a close

The last three on this list, the ‘closing’ transition words, would generally only be used in spoken discourse.

Some transition words for order and sequencing should also help with structuring what you want to say, including the ending.

Example conclusion sentences

The following sentences show how to use conclusion words correctly:

In conclusion , we can say that plan A will be of greater benefit to the company.
When all is said and done , it’s clear that we should steer clear of this investment strategy.
Given these points , I believe the trial was a great success.
I’ll end by reminding you all that this experiment was just the beginning of a much larger project.
To wrap up , let’s look at how this learning can be applied.
In the long run , we will make more profit by investing heavily in new machinery.
Having analyzed seven of our competitors in detail, we can conclude that our content marketing strategy should be updated.

Transition words for summary

The following summary transition words may be used as part of a conclusion paragraph, but they are especially helpful for concisely drawing together several points.

To summarize
On the whole
Generally speaking
All things considered
In a nutshell (informal)
In any case

Note that although you can insert summary transition words anywhere, the specific phrases ‘In summary’, ‘To summarize’ and ‘To sum up’ are generally only used at the end, similar to conclusion phrases.

Example summary sentences

In brief , this presentation is going to cover the pros and cons of the device and how we can apply this to our own product development.
This new technology is, in a word , revolutionary.
All things considered , we found that Berlin was a great city for a weekend break.
To summarize , we can say that Shakespeare’s writing continues to have a global influence.
We can say that the combustion engine was, on the whole , a good invention.
In any case , we should put the necessary precautions in place.
Generally speaking , girls are more thoughtful than boys.

Transition words to end a paragraph

You may wish to add ending transition words in the final sentence of a paragraph to conclude the ideas in that section of text, before moving on to another point.

Here are some transition words to conclude a paragraph:

This means that
With this in mind
By and large
For the most part

Note that some of these could equally be used to begin a new paragraph, so long as that paragraph is summarizing the points previously mentioned.

Cause and effect transition words could also be helpful in this context.

Examples of transition words for the end of a paragraph

Jamie is a vegan and Sheryl has a lot of allergies. This means that we should be careful which restaurant we choose.
The weather forecast said it would rain this afternoon. With this in mind , should we postpone our hike?
Each of the students has their own opinion about where to go for the field trip. Ultimately , though, it’s the teacher who will decide.

Restating points as you conclude

Conclusion transition words can also signal that you are restating a point you mentioned earlier. This is common practice in both writing and speaking as it draws the reader or listener’s attention back to something you want them to keep in mind. These are, therefore, also examples of transition words for emphasizing a point .

Here are some helpful transition words for concluding or summarizing by restating points:

As mentioned previously
As stated earlier
As has been noted
As shown above
As I have said
As I have mentioned
As we have seen
As has been demonstrated

You may switch most of these between the passive and active voice, depending on which is most appropriate. For example, ‘As has been demonstrated’ could become ‘As I have demonstrated’ and ‘As shown above’ could become ‘As I have shown’.

Example sentences to restate a point in conclusion or summary

As I stated earlier , the only way we can get meaningful results from this survey is by including at least a thousand people.
As has been demonstrated throughout this conference, there are exciting things happening in the world of neuroscience.
As shown by this study, the trials have been promising.

If you were researching these transition words for concluding an essay, you might find it helpful to read this guide to strong essay conclusions . Of course, there are many ways to use summary transition words beyond essays. They may be a little formal for casual conversation, but they certainly can be used in speech as part of a presentation, debate, or argument.

Can you think of any other concluding words or phrases that should be on this list? Leave a comment below to share them!

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Transition Words for Essays: Great List & Useful Tips

List of transition words for essays! All right, everyone in the world who enjoys writing essays, turn all your lights on for two seconds. Right…NOW! Whoa…was it our imagination, or did the world go black for two seconds? There is no denying that on a list of 100 hobbies and fun things to do, essay writing tops out at about 201.

But, like clipping toenails, sometimes you just have to do it. And if you are going to write an essay, you might as well do the best you can, and write one that is great! In this article, we are going to take a look at some important transition words for the essay. With these lists of transitions, you can do just that.

Transition Words for Essays

When writing essays , it is always important to know how to make a smooth progression from one subject or division to another. Otherwise, you will end up with a lot of brilliant information, but no one will be able to understand it. Transitions are street signs in writing. They tell the reader what street the writer is headed toward, and which thoughts need to be brought to the on-ramp – among other things.

In order to arrive at your destination, and impart knowledge – perhaps even causing someone to see your point of view on a topic, transitions are a necessity.

List of Transition Words for Essays

Following is a list of transition words for essays you can use to master your writing skill.

Some of these are a bit more argumentative than others. It’s smart to weigh the first words of an essay very carefully since they set the tone for the rest of the piece. Do you wish it to be thoughtful? Insightful? Assertive? Aggressive? That’s why we have transitions—

To begin with
Generally speaking
Once upon a time
In the first place
On the one hand

Example: Generally speaking , the concept that all politicians are extroverts is a fallacy.

This is why
This can be seen in

Example: Granted , the way politics forces people in the office to behave can be misleading.

Sub-division

For that matter

Example: For that matter , politics is simply misleading.

Now, unless your essay is bone dry, there will be more—much more—to it than just a couple of divisions and a conclusion. It will manipulate time like a Sci-fi writer, be more interesting than a romance novel, be as accurate as an atomic clock, and will stick in the reader’s mind like an old Temptation’s song. Transitions exist to help your essay do all of this. And they can serve very specific purposes.

Here are transitions that serve to…

Accent or Highlight a Point

In this situation

Example: Usually , that market sold two types of tomatoes.

These Accent or Highlight, but with a touch of drama, seeming to “stop the show”:

Unquestionably
Undoubtedly

Example: Unquestionably , that market sold the best tomatoes.

The difference between the two accent transitions is rather obvious. The top words are more laid back. The ones that add drama leave no wiggle room.

To manipulate time or the concept of time:

Control Time

Also, next, last
Generally, for now, later on
Additionally, in the meantime, last
Indeed, by and large , finally

Example: Generally , politicians deserve to be pelted with tomatoes from that market. They can deal with cleaning their suits later on.

Highlight Instances

Illustrated by
This has been seen in
An example of this is

Example: Chiefly , irritating politicians with too much tan and bad hair deserve to pelted with tomatoes.

One transition which is often overlooked so far as importance is concerned is the comparison/contrast. This might be one of the most important in essay writing. In all forms of speech, really, because it shows the ability of the person speaking or writing to see other perspectives and weigh them in an intelligent, objective manner.

Comparison/Contrast

On one hand/on the other hand
In spite of
At the same time
Nevertheless
On the contrary

Example: Still , it would be a terrible waste of tomatoes, so we won’t pelt the politicians.

Along with the argument for or against something, is the expansion of an idea. These transitions help lay the foundation for taking an idea or thought, then adding more to it.

Expand on an idea

Yet another
Furthermore
Additionally
Correspondingly
Another thing

Example: Indeed , we need tomatoes right now. Politicians? Not as much.

When you are moving into the cause with its accompanying effect.

Cause/Effect

Consequently
Accordingly
Under these circumstances
For all of these reasons

Example: Under these circumstances , I believe we need to ignore politicians and grow tomatoes.

When Concluding

To summarize
Taking everything into account
All things considered
Given these points
On the whole
That is to say
In the final analysis

Learn more about conclusion transition words in English.

Tips for Using Transition Words for Essays

Now you have the tools—the transition words for essays. All you need now is to remember a couple do’s and don’ts.

Change transitions as you change ideas.
Read through what you have written several times. Make sure the transitions you have used are appropriate and make sense.
Have an idea of what direction you wish to go with your writing before you start. That way, when you use a transition, it is more likely to be in a place that works.

DON’T:

Keep repeating a transition.
Keep adding more and more transitions in the same sentence or paragraph, thinking that more is best. Use them when and where they are needed and try to keep how many transitions you use to a reasonable amount.
Throw a transition into your writing without knowing its true meaning, and proper usage.

Transitions are great tools, but tools aren’t really usable unless the person wielding them understands how they are supposed to be used. When writing your essay, do it as required, then do the all-important task of reading and re-reading it. This will check for usage and flow.

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Transition Words for Essays | Useful Tips for Using Transition Words for Essays

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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

Transition Words for College Essays

1) Additive Transitions

2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

4) Sequential Transitions

5) Spatial Transitions

6) Causal Transitions

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

8) Conclusory Transitions

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

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Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

What are Transition Words?

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Transition Words For Different Types of Essays

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Transition Words for Different Parts of Essay

How Transitions work

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